Reflections on 2012, and looking to 2013

Forgive me if this post doesn’t contain new information about corseting per se. I don’t really share my personal life on this blog, but thought it appropriate to write something a bit more personal as 2012 comes to a close. After all, I am a human being and don’t take the role of teacher all the time.

2012 was the first full year that I’ve been out of school. It’s also the year that I probably worked the hardest in my life. January 5th 2012 was the day I launched lucycorsetry.com and in less than a year, it has grown to proportions of which I had never dreamed.

Personal Growth

Many of my long-time viewers know that I’ve battled depression in the past, and I’m proud to say that this year was the year I finally beat it. It may be common where I live (especially in the winter), but it doesn’t have to run my life. Under the direction of 3 separate doctors, I discontinued my medication and I now make sure I’m taking in enough Omega3 and vitamin D, getting enough exercise, and that I get out and socialize on a regular basis. I feel more alive than I ever have.

Each day I still struggle to not be hypersensitive towards things such as offensive Youtube comments left on my videos. But now more often than not, I simply block and delete instead of replying, which prevents sparking flame wars. Within a day or two I completely forget about the negative situation. My time is precious and shouldn’t be wasted on having the last word, when I can just choose peace over pride. The amazing support from my followers helps make each day easier, and I’m infinitely happier when I focus on their love.

Accomplishments of 2012

CORSET REVIEWS – This year I published an incredible 111 videos on my main Youtube channel, which included an unbelievable 35 corset reviews! This time last year, I was worried that I would not be able to sustain my channel. You, my wonderful viewers, came to the rescue, and I sincerely hope I’ve kept my promise of providing in-depth reviews of the corset brands you want, and of giving back in other ways.

GIVEAWAYS – This year alone there were 14 corset giveaways – the most special of which was the giveaway in memory of Jody (phoenixjodirae), my dear online friend. (Every time I see a butterfly, I still think of her.) I hope to continue “paying it forward” in the future – giving individuals the opportunity to own a corset where they may not have been able to own one otherwise. I am truly indebted to “Michael with All the Cats”, aka the corset angel, who sponsored the majority of the giveaways this year – because of his mind-boggling generosity, other individuals have come forth also offering to sponsor future giveaways. I will have to find a way to organize these giveaways in such a way that my channel doesn’t become all giveaways! (I am open to any suggestions, by the way.)

WEBSITE SERVICES – 2012 marked the launch of my corset-selling businesses. I officially announced on Youtube that I was accepting bespoke corset commissions in March, and then started selling OTR corsets as a distributor of Timeless Trends/Black Iris on the side in June. I have zero shame or regret running both services side-by-side, as different people want different corsets for different reasons. There truly is something suitable for everyone. Running these businesses has opened my eyes to the challenges of a corsetiere, and I’m very fortunate to be able to experience this business from both sides, being both a consumer and a provider of corsets. This year I constructed 20 corsets (an average of one every 2.5 weeks); some of which I filmed case studies for this year.

In October, I launched the Corset Consultation service (which was an explosive success, having completed 100 consultations in a little over 2 months), and just yesterday launched the Corsetiere Map which will be used in hopes of celebrating bespoke corsetieres, encouraging clients to support their local community, and tying the world corset community a little closer together.

INTERVIEWS – This year I also had 3 interviews (with Bloggery of a Gothcat, Foundations Revealed, and Radical Redefinition, respectively). Although I had the opportunity to be interviewed on national television, I shied away from those as I’m not quite ready for that yet. I’m comfortable in my own space and niche and don’t often step out of my comfort circle, but am very pleased with the outcome of the three interviews done this year and feel that I’ve made new friends through these contacts.

Looking to the Future

2013 is looking to be an exciting year. In January/February I plan to change webhosts and give this website/blog a slightly new design which will hopefully be more organized and easier to navigate. I’m working with a web designer and graphic artist right now, and hope to launch some other pages in the not-so-distant future.

I hope this will be a year where my channel can place more of an emphasis on companies that offer custom work, and also individual designers. This will likely mean considerably fewer than 35 corset reviews this year, but the corsets may be of higher quality and made-to-measure. OTRs will not be completely forgotten, but I will soon be introducing my audience to wonderful corsetieres who deserve to have their work highlighted.

I also hope to make videos of higher impact – more corseting lifestyle videos, more physical effects videos, and a possible corset sew-along in which I tie my previous tutorials into one cohesive project. This may come a little later however, as I’m currently taking some time to refine my skills as a corset maker – another goal for this year. I don’t yet have my own distinctive design, and this is something I would like to work on. I’d also like to step up my organization and increase my productivity.

(My apologies if this sounds completely vague but I don’t want to give away too much, in case I end up disappointing some people with setbacks later on.)

This year I hope to continue working on my health and wellbeing; cutting out most wheat, processed sugar and dairy (as much as possible), as my experiments with this in the past have reaped amazing benefits in my overall energy level and mood, further feeding into greater productivity. This is a year that I will be more compassionate with myself; a year that I set health goals and standards that are realistic enough to be achieved, but challenging enough to make the effort worth it.

Thank you, friends, for this amazing year. May 2013 be even more prosperous for you and this community.

27 thoughts on “Reflections on 2012, and looking to 2013”

Hi I have been a follower for a while and you always present things in a nice manner. In general I am against OTR corsets since everyone’s body has different measurements and a corset needs to fit really well in order to be comfortable. They are cheap though, but I hope you can review more custom made corsets. Maybe you can also make a short sidestep to other historical corset styles, such as 16/17/18th century? Have you tried those and did you like them or not? Corsets with shoulderstraps is not for everyone.. I have a huge list of custom historical corset makers if you want.
Keep up the good and informative work

Dear Lucy,
I have been watching you channel, and later on your blog from the very start, with grand admiration and interest, but always from a distance. I had withheld myself from comment, simply because I did not think I had anything to add. After all this time, I even feel I get to know you, even though we never met or never spoke. What you try to do in the corset world is valuable, and I appreciate the effort you have already put into it. Keep up the good work, and I wish you all the best in 2013!

Hi Lucy, what do you think of Axfords? I read online that they’re a really good company, but I have no experience with corsets so I want my first corset to be good. Just found out about your blog and video’s and I’ve seen many things that I didn’t know, so thank you for that!

I really enjoyed reading this blog. You have recapped a wonderful year with major milestones in your personal and business aspects of your life and I am sure that you have given more than a ray of hope to some out there who suffer from depression and other woman who feel as though they are trapped in their life. You have shown that with determination, hard work and the willingness to take a chance you can succeed in realizing and growing your dreams.

Thank you so much Judith, I’m so happy to have your support on both my Youtube channels – your friendly and inspirational vids and messages have kept me going this year! We are all in this together. :) I look forward to an exciting new year, starting with good health (and hopefully keeping in better touch with you!). :)

You really did have a busy 2012, and it sounds like next year will be even busier! I can’t wait to see the videos you do for 2013! I can’t believe some of the comments people make sometimes, but I’ve always been impressed with your responses. Thanks for doing the videos in spite of a few insensitive people. I’ve learned so much watching your videos. You are so down to earth and “girl next door” you made me feel like its ok to want a corset. I’d only ever seen really alternative people in corset, and that’s just not me. A thought I had, have you ever thought of doing a video discussing, say, your top 10 or so corset makers? Like in order and why? And if you feel comfortable, your least favorite and why? I’ve caught bits and pieces of things like Electra being in the top 3, and who sometimes doesn’t fulfill orders, but I bet you have a wealth of knowledge along those lines! If that’s not a video you want to make ill love watching whatever it is you do make! Thanks for all your work!

Hi Cristy! Thanks for your support and kindness, it means so much to me. :) I’m very happy that you consider me very “girl next door” instead of “weird” or “high glamour” (although I am a little weird, haha). I might be willing to say my 10 favourite OTR makers and 10 favourite custom makers (maybe at the end of the year?), but probably wouldn’t mention my least favourites – this would create animosity among both makers and viewers. Thanks for the suggestion though! :)

Hello and thank you for providing this site and also the great videos that you have on youtube.com. I am sorry to hear that some people are still writing some of the undesirable comments but think that you are handling those beautifully. It is sad that some people have to take that path when you are an educated and caring person that is sharing your information out of generosity and to help educate others. A thought on the dietary changes that you are planning to make: I have personally removed dairy from my diet and it is difficult at best. However, I have found many benefits since I did that one task; I do not have hardly any sinus troubles or sinus issues like I did before. I miss cheese, but I feel much better without it. Also, have you looked into purified water; I would like to talk with you or by email is fine as well. There is too much information to include here. Thank you for all that you do! ;)

Thank you so much for your suggestions! I would love to discuss more with you, if you’re willing to send me an email. I have limited dairy since I was about 14 when I started to show signs of lactose intolerance, but hadn’t cut it out completely. Bread/ pasta I don’t crave, but eat it if the family prepares it. (I’ve finally made peace with them to make my own meals on spaghetti nights.) Thank you for your kind words and support!

Thank you for providing a friendly salon where newbs like me are welcome to visit and learn about corsets. Thank you for creating an upbeat, sober, zero pressure environment with your writing, videos, and charming intellect. Thank you for providing an encyclopedia’s wealth of knowledge about corsetry.

Because of your site I own 3 OTR and 1 bespoke corset. Because of your site I was reminded of what my waist used to look like, and I was inspired to loose 3 inches of fat from my abdomen. And I because of your work I know what to say to people who are freaked out by the very idea of corsets. My typical first response is “They’re a heck of a lot more comfortable than 3 inch heels”.

Hi Janina! Thanks for your sweet words! I smiled so hard at your description, “upbeat, sober, zero pressure environment” because that’s exactly what I was hoping to portray. :) I’m glad that more people are finding that they enjoy corseting, through their own volition and for their own reasons. Best wishes for 2013!

HI IWA SJUST SAYING TOMM YHUBBY IAM THINKING OF BUYING A CORSET HE LOOKE DHE SAID A WHAT I SAID A CORSET HE GOT A HOLD OF ME AND STARTED KISSINGME HE SAID BY THE TIM EYOUBUY A CORSET YOU WILLLBE WEARING YOUR MATERNITY DRESSES AGAIN

Hi Lucy,let this New Year be the one, where all your dreams come true, so with a joyful heart. Wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year 2013.
And I’m willing to become the first Mongolian corset maker appears on The Corsetiere Map :)
Love Maral

Hope you’ll have an amazing 2013 ! As for myself, I hope to go to exams in June and success in getting my diploma first and then working on becoming a corset maker myself. It’s really what I want to do, and even if I know it won’t always be easy, I hope i’ll be able to make it in the end !
Wish you all the best for this new year and hope to watch tons of your videos this year ;)
Love from France.
Amandine

Dear Amandine, thank you so much. :) Wishing you utmost success with your goals this year; I know you’ll do great. I would be happy to support you and add you to the map of corset makers when you feel ready! And I hope to make videos worth watching this year. ;)

Christine, I’m so happy I “met” you – our conversations on corseting the body have been awesome, and your help is invaluable! 2013 is going to be awesome, not least because of you! Wishing you prosperity this year, and know that I’m cheering you on as well. :)

I am so thankful that I met you this year. I am still so grateful for the special corsette I won as I know it holds a special spot in your heart. I can’t wait to get together with you again this comming year. Thank you for you being you
Jennyxo

Jenny, thank you for the amazing experience this past summer, getting to know you has been an absolute joy. I believe that sometimes things happen for a reason and there was a reason I met you! Here’s hoping that 2013 will be the best year (so far) for us both!

Hi Patricia, yes I think most corsetieres don’t recommend wearing any kind of corset during pregnancy, but after childbirth wearing a corset should be okay, as long as you get the thumbs up from your doctor. If you need back support while you’re pregnant, perhaps belly bands is the best way to go!

Hi Lucy, this is the first time I have commented on your blog and I just want to say – you are adorable. I think I have watched all of your video blogs and I so needed to know the info. before I went to a reenactment ball. You replacing with the bunny ears and how to lace up by yourself – saved me.
I flew all the way to Wisconsin from Louisiana to attend this civil war New Years ball and it went over with a great success.
I was the southern belle of the ball. And they even announced me 3 or 4 times. Giggle.
I am so in love with my corset, that I would like to get more. Soon.
Check out my blog to see how different people treated me in a corset.
(Themysterydate.wordpress.com)
Hugs and thanks sweetie,
CC